<p>Everybody talks about how important it is to be at a target school to work at a BB investment bank. Well if I pass these tests, especially the CFA, will that help me get a analyst job at a BB firm, even if I don't go to a target? I was looking at median compensations for ppl with the CFA credential, and it looks quite nice.</p>
<p>bump 10 char</p>
<p>CFA, CPA both charterholders require related work experience to be fully vested. You cannot just study , pass the tests and have titles conferred.</p>
<p>Actually, in many states you do not need work experience to be licensed as a CPA if you have a Master's degree.</p>
<p>Really ??There are many online masters degrees offered in accounting...do those count too?
You can do public accounting without related working experience as part of becoming a CPA if you have a masters?</p>
<p>Yea you can, but what lies after that is a crapload of studying for it.</p>
<p>"Actually, in many states you do not need work experience to be licensed as a CPA if you have a Master's degree." </p>
<p>I don't know exactly how many states are like this, but I am sure it is under ten. I wouldn't call that many. More like a couple.</p>
<p>leo,</p>
<p>Make sure you're level at what level the CFA Candidates are too. Assuming you saw them as CFA Listed, that means they passed all three levels. Doing so, is quite the feat. CFA ranges from any possible business material ranging from ethics all the way to accounting. It is by no means easy.</p>
<p>A CFA in some respects is more regarded higher than a top-tier institution. Many who hold a CFA work on the buy-side, not as much on the sell-side, because those who have a CFA expect to work as portfolio managers and the such. However, if sell-side is still your thing, it will certainly add to your resume and credentials should you need it. </p>
<p>I would like to mention though, neither of these exams, will you be able to take while your in undergraduate. They cannot compensate entirely for work experience, so since you are at a non-target, it's up to you to look for possible offers.</p>